This unique book provides an easily comprehended overview of facts about gender inequality and contains a valuable introduction to economic theories of this inequality, the applicability of which is assessed in the light of empirical evidence. A special feature of this book is its adoption of a multidisciplinary approach to the study of gender inequality. Both economic and sociological influences on gender inequality are taken into account in an innovative fashion.The scholarly coverage of this book is broad and focuses mainly on female disadvantage; both that suffered by female children and by women. Subjects covered include economic theories of gender inequality and critiques of these; sex selection, preferences for boys and the value of females; measures of gender inequality and their application; the occurrence of poverty and its relationship with the deprivation of women and children; implications for the status of females of their access to different forms of capital (taking into account modern concepts of capital); the need to take into account little explored relationships between gender inequality and the achievement of sustainable development; ecofeminism; and the abuse of women by men. The discussion is reinforced by case studies and examples drawn primarily from South Asian and Northeast Asian countries. Some attention is given in the case studies to the diverse practices of 'tribal' people and minorities. This is done in order to better assess existing theories about gender inequality. The value of adopting a multidisciplinary approach to the study of gender inequality is well demonstrated. Consequently, this book provides a more holistic and balanced view of gender inequality than other available books.

Building Information Modeling (BIM), or the process of generating and managing digital information about physical representations of constructions, has been effectively adopted and benefited numerous civil engineering projects across the globe, particularly in developed countries. BIM Development and Trends in Developing Countries addresses the philosophies and practices for improved application of BIM in developing countries. Two case studies are presented in this reference: one from Malaysia and another representing Sri Lanka. Readers are given an introduction and background of the Malaysian and Sri Lankan construction industry and a critical review of BIM's philosophies, development and applications in different stages of a construction project. The authors present their recommendations on the way forward for BIM practices articulated from the two perspectives, namely, academia and industrial BIM practice. The case studies in this book highlight the role of adequate BIM software techniques and the importance of governmental support in facing building challenges at the moment. . BIM Development and Trends in Developing Countries provides readers useful insights on the evolution of BIM practice in emerging countries and is a unique report on two specific scenarios in BIM development. Engineers, architects, urban planners and policy makers around the globe seeking to understand practical BIM implementation and trends will find this reference invaluable.

Natural hazard-induced disasters (NHID), such as floods, droughts, severe storms, and animal pests and diseases have significant, widespread and long-lasting impacts on agricultural sectors around the world. Drawing from seven case studies, this joint OECD-FAO report argues for a new approach to building resilience to NHID in agriculture.

This supplement presents ten case studies, which highlight the roles of targeted policies to facilitate sustainable financial deepening in a variety of country circumstances, reflecting historical experiences that parallel a range of markets in LICs. The case studies were selected to broadly capture efforts by countries to increase reach (e.g., financial inclusion), depth (e.g., financial intermediation), and breadth of financial systems (e.g., capital market, cross-border development). The analysis in the case studies highlights the importance of a balanced approach to financial deepening. A stable macroeconomic environment is vital to instill consumer, institutional, and investor confidence necessary to encourage financial market activity. Targeted public policy initiatives (e.g., collateral, payment systems development) can be helpful in removing impediments and creating infrastructure for improved market operations, while ensuring appropriate oversight and regulation of financial markets, to address potential sources of instability and market failures.

Reliable national accounts are essential for proper economic analyses and informed policymaking by national authorities as well as other stakeholders. Nevertheless, in many countries, national accounts statistics are subject to serious shortcomings, which are often manifested as overestimated growth rates. In cases where official data are not adequate for surveillance, IMF staff compile alternative estimates by applying various forecasting methods. This study proposes a more holistic, bottom-up approach, which is based on the compilation of GDP by the expenditure method with limited source data. The study also discusses the case of Turkmenistan, where this method was implemented in practice.

How can Low-Income Countries (LICs) enhance tax revenue collection to finance their vast development needs? We address this question by analyzing seven tax reform experiences in LICs (Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Maldives, Mauritania, Rwanda, Senegal, and Uganda). Three lessons stand out, although reforms must be tailored to individual circumstances: (i) Tax reforms require first and foremost political commitment and buy-in from key stakeholders; (ii) Countries that pursue both revenue administration and tax policy reforms tend to see much larger and persistent gains; and (iii) A successful strategy often starts with fiscal reform measures with immediate effect to build momentum. These can include: simplifying the tax system; curbing exemptions; reforming indirect taxes on goods and services (e.g., excises); and better managing compliance risks through strengthening taxpayer segmentation (often beginning with strengthening the Large Taxpayers Office). A comprehensive reform strategy (e.g., a medium-term revenue strategy) can help to properly sequence reform measures and facilitate their implementation.

Boosting Pharmaceutical Innovation In The Post-TRIPS Era investigates the concept of innovation and illustrates the crucial role that patent strategies play within processes of pharmaceutical innovation. Drawing on extensive country and company case studies, it identifies the key issues relevant to the revival of local pharmaceutical industries.